WMU News

Fanfares to start gala salute to Diether and Carol Haenicke March 16

March 10, 1998

KALAMAZOO -- Trumpet fanfares will mark the start of a gala salute in dance, music and theatre to Dr. Diether H. and Carol A. Haenicke at 8 p.m. Monday, March 16, in Miller Auditorium. Diether Haenicke announced last summer that he would retire from the presidency and return to the faculty July 31.

No admission is charged but tickets are needed. They are available at the Miller Auditorium ticket office or by calling (616) 387-2300. The event, titled "WMU Salutes the Haenickes," is sponsored by the Board of Trustees.

"Our purpose is to celebrate the leadership and service of two outstanding individuals, our president, Diether Haenicke and his wife, Carol," said Lori B. Waddles of Detroit, chairperson of the Board of Trustees. "This event is a wonderful blend of the performing arts, from classical to jazz and from contemporary to humorous."

"All of us in the College of Fine Arts consider it an honor to participate in this special program," said Dr. Janet E. Stillwell, associate dean of fine arts and artistic director of the event. "We're thrilled to present something that recognizes two people who have given so much to us over the past 13 years."

Dr. D. Terry Williams, chairperson of the Department of Theatre, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Faculty members and students from the Department of Dance will perform "A Spot for Swans," a jazz dance; "Stand by Your Man/Rose Adage," a humorous combination of ballet and ballroom dance; and "Oh It's So Quiet," a swing number.

Several groups from the School of Music will perform, including Gold Company, the University Chorale, the Western Brass Quintet and the Western String Chamber Orchestra.

Faculty members from the Department of Theatre will present a selection from William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." Music faculty members will perform an aria from the opera "Don Giovani" by Mozart.

The salute will conclude with a special slide show reflecting the Haenicke years at WMU. The alma mater will be performed by the singers of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, WMU's music honorary.

Haenicke came to WMU in 1985. He is currently the second longest serving president among the state's 15 public universities.

Media contact: Mike Matthews; michael.matthews@wmich.edu


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